‘Chucky’ Recap: ‘Panic Room’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

CHUCKY -- "Panic Room" Episode 306 -- Pictured: (l-r) Chucky, Callum Vinson as Henry Collins -- (Photo by: Shane Mahood/SYFY)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Chucky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many reasons that the Child’s Play/Chucky franchise continues to thrive after all these years. Such as the horror elements present here, since this saga keeps finding new ways to make a killer doll and his family as creepy and as scary as possible, through creative and devastating kills no less. Not to mention, this is a smart and progressive franchise as well, one that understands the importance of representation and diversity, and of course… offers amazing commentary on our world and the human condition. Plus, this is a series that keeps finding new ways to surprise us from a storytelling standpoint, something that is genuinely difficult in this day and age, but this series continues to find ways to do so, and for proof… well then look no further than last night’s stunning episode of the show on SYFY.

A feat that ‘Panic Room’ accomplished by offering deception from the start by appearing to be a transitional tale. One designed to set the stage for conflict between our heroes and Chucky, by making use of the president’s death to infuriate Chucky. Since Pryce took the time to bring in a dead ringer, named Randall Jenkins, for the now deceased President Collins. Which was a brilliant stroke of storytelling, since it found a way to get Devon Sawa back into the fold and let him make use of his acting chops by playing an entirely different character. But that aside, the imposter’s presence here was designed to bring a peaceful and logical end to President Collins’ time in the White House so the public would never know the truth, something that definitely looked like a setup for a long game. Since Chucky would want to take the credit for killing a president before setting the world on fire at this stage in his life.

Not to mention, Jake, Devon, and Lexy were playing their own long game. Since they returned to the White house to hang out with Grant to enjoy a movie night. A decision they made to help Lexy find peace. Because while Lexy was content to also let Chucky just die and fade into nothing, she wanted to see him one last time and get some answers about her sister. So, everyone minded their P’s and Q’s and did their best to ease their way into Grant’s circle of trust to get at Chucky and get some answers and well… that too seemed to be a long con setup for the final two episodes of the season. But that… is when this franchise opted instead to outright surprise us and shock us in ways we didn’t see coming in the slightest. Largely thanks to the fact, that Chucky saw an opportunity here and went for it.

Because an imposter president would allow for him to make his move and launch the nukes if he acted swiftly and decisively, so he went for it, and took Henry and Jenkins hostage and dragged them to the Situation Room beneath the White House. Wherein he pushed Jenkins to use the codes and the president’s likeness to start World War III. Giving rise to the real possibility that Chucky was finally going to win the day. But thankfully, some truth from Lexy, allowed for a contingent of good to descend upon the Situation Room and prevent the end of everything and bring forth… the end of Chucky, with more surprises in play. Because Lexy tried to save Chucky to get answers and also because… the strange paranormal energy present in this episode and the last… has allowed for something horrible to happen. 

In that, Chucky’s spirit is alive and well in the framework of the White House, courtesy of one epic cameo from Brad Dourif. Which means… that the fight against Charles Lee ‘Chucky’ Ray isn’t over yet and will be handled in one creative and unique manner and well, all of that came forth from one stunning tale. Because no one expected Chucky to make his move this early, no one expected him to expire and transform into a malevolent spirit and of course… no one thought Lexy would try and save him to get answers. And well, now the stage is set for two refreshing and unique episodes that will undoubtedly allow for Brad Dourif to remind us why he is one of the best in the business, as this bold and grandiose chapter in the franchise, barrels toward an ending that will undoubtedly take our breath away. Until next time.

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CHUCKY -- "Panic Room" Episode 306 -- Pictured: Brad Dourif as Charles Lee Ray -- (Photo by: SYFY)

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